The QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit simplifies purification of viral RNA from cell-free body fluids with fast spin-column or vacuum procedures. Viral RNA binds specifically to the QIAamp silica membrane, and pure viral RNA is eluted in either water or a buffer provided with the kit. Purification can be fully automated on theQIAcube.

The high-quality viral RNA isolated using the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit performs well in a wide range of downstream applications, including viral genotyping, viral epidemiology, and infectious disease research (see figure "Amplification of RNA from plasma").

Principle

The QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit simplifies isolation of viral RNA from cell-free body fluids with fast spin-column or vacuum procedures. No phenol–chloroform extraction is required. Viral RNA binds specifically to the QIAamp silica membrane while contaminants pass through. PCR inhibitors, such as divalent cations and proteins, are completely removed in two efficient wash steps, leaving pure viral RNA to be eluted in either water or a buffer provided with the kit.

Optimized buffers and enzymes lyse samples, stabilize nucleic acids, and enhance selective RNA adsorption to the QIAamp membrane. To guarantee RNA integrity, samples are lysed under highly denaturing conditions to inactivate RNases. Alcohol is added and lysates loaded onto the QIAamp spin column. Wash buffers are used to remove impurities and pure, ready-to-use RNA is then eluted in water or low-salt buffer.

The QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit is automatable on the QIAcube. The QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Accessory Set provides the additional buffers and reagents needed for automated, low-throughput sample prep using both QIAcube and QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit.

Vacuum processing

For greater speed and convenience in RNA purification, samples can be processed by vacuum instead of centrifugation. QIAamp Mini spin columns (see figure "QIAamp Viral RNA Mini spin column") are accommodated on the QIAvac 24 manifold using VacValves and VacConnectors, provided in the QIAamp Vac Accessory Set. VacValves should be used if sample flow rates differ significantly, in order to ensure consistent vacuum. Disposable VacConnectors are used to avoid any cross-contamination.